Whether you are a retailer or a consumer, it’s important to know the facts about creditcardskimmers. As described by @NACSonline, skimming is the method by which [criminals] obtain customer card data from the magnetic strip to create a counterfeit card to use either online or in stores. With EMV compliance just 18 months away, “the window of opportunity for thieves to get this data is closing.”

Nacsonline article featuring contributors Paige Anderson and Linda Toth, it points out that retailers have many options to protect their business from skimming; however, the one action every retailer can take is changing out the universal locks on their fuel dispensers.

“Making sure those locks are unique is one basic security requirement…it doesn’t cost much and can be done easily,” said Anderson.

If you are reading this and don’t own a convenience store you may think this doesn’t apply to you. True, skimming may not effect your business but if your use a credit card to purchase fuel, it could have a very negative effect on your bank account. As consumers we all need to be aware of these criminals and know what to look for. Seriously, we are all very busy and who has extra hours of time to fight credit card breaches? NOBODY! Below we have included a link from @Nacs TV that is very informative and shows you exactly what to look for before handing your card over to a gas pump!